Hilda was an amazing woman. She was born in Nuneaton, England to Randolph Charles Whale and Florence Whale nee Target. She grew up in Meriden and then Coventry with siblings Mabel, Beril, Marion and Syd, where they survived the Coventry Blitz of WWII. Hilda married Edward

Bastard and later Aleksander Lisowski. Hilda worked at the GEC, Coventry Schools Meals and as a manager for Wades Furniture Store in the city centre. She was a member of the British Civil Defense and danced nights away with Alex at the Coventry Polish Club. They were diehard anglers and winemakers. Hilda moved to California in 1969 and married Alex Bechthold. She was an excellent amateur wine maker and worked for the Alexander Wine Company in Lodi, CA. In retirement, Hilda worked for the Department of Aging in Stockton and Valley Springs as a librarian. She was most proud of her grandchildren and relished every moment she had with them. She was well traveled and loved meeting people. She had many friends. In

California, Hilda was a member of The Daughters of the British Empire. She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Stockton for many years proudly reaching the position of lesson reading during Sunday masses. She served on the fundraising committee to restore its landmark spire. An avid hobbyist, she loved to read, play word games and cards. She excelled in cooking, gardening, knitting and photography. She is greatly missed by all. Visitation will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 12-4:00 pm at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary, 809 N. California St. with a graveside service on Monday, February 11 at 11:00 am at the Lodi Memorial Cemetery, 5750 E. Pine St, Lodi. To sign the guest